Cam Reddish turns heads on Knicks' opening night
Cam Reddish of the New York Knicks reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 19, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. Credit: Getty Images/Justin Ford
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two days before the Knicks’ season opener, the deadline passed for them to pick up the option on Cam Reddish’s contract, putting him on notice. His deal is up at the end of the season and, after a miserable preseason performance, it seemed unlikely that he would be a part of the plans in 2022-23.
But circumstances conspired on the first night of the season to change that. Now, one day in, things appear very different as the Knicks return home for the Madison Square Garden opener Friday night against the Detroit Pistons.
With Quentin Grimes unavailable because of lingering pain in his left foot, Reddish got an opportunity in the season-opening 115-112 overtime loss to the Grizzlies on Wednesday. He responded, scoring 22 points in 28 minutes, showing aggressive play on both ends and confidently draining a three-pointer that sent the game into overtime.
“My teammates were encouraging me throughout the game,” Reddish said. “Julius [Randle was] telling me to be aggressive, stuff like that. That goes a long way.
“Obviously, being traded midway [through last season] is tough, new group of guys, new everything. Just trying to find my way, be aggressive, be assertive and make the right play.”
“I think his defense got him going and then I think he got out into the open floor,’’ coach Tom Thibodeau said. “I just thought his shot selection was good, he attacked the rim well, he got some easy buckets. When you get some easy buckets, the game becomes easier. So that was a big plus. And his length, that’s important for us.”
While the performance may have created some pause in early decisions on what Reddish can contribute, it brings a little more certainty to his future with the team. It might allow the Knicks to not push Grimes to return quickly if Thibodeau believes Reddish can hold down that role until Grimes is ready.
Reddish is not a rookie. He’s had moments like this before. Still, Atlanta was more than willing to unload him, and he has had more downs than ups since arriving in New York. Now he’s facing restricted free agency at season’s end, needing to change minds not only in New York but for other potential suitors.
“It’s my first time,” Reddish said of free agency. “I don’t really know. I’m blessed, man. I’m trying to stay in it. It’s the end of my contract. I’m not trying to think about that too much, prove I can hoop and win at the same time.”
Asked if he is trying to prove himself to the Knicks’ front office and coaches, he said, “I was really doing it for me, prove it to myself. I know it definitely goes a long way to the top of the top. Let me say it like this: I know what I can do. I wanted to make sure I still got it.”
The Knicks needed Reddish to come through Wednesday because so many players they expected production from did not come through. RJ Barrett shot 3-for-18, including 0-for-6 from beyond the arc. Mitchell Robinson played less than 13 minutes, saddled with foul trouble all night. Off the bench, Immanuel Quickley missed all six shots he took and Obi Toppin gave little in 13 minutes.
Still, the Knicks managed to fight back from 19 points down and kept battling to the final shot of overtime. Now it turns to a chance to reset at home.
“Yeah, I’m excited,” Jalen Brunson said. “It’s going to be a fun night. But we need a win. That’s all I care about.”
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
